The Black mamba

Thaurex helped Katyusha clean the dishes in the kitchen while baby Falethier sat in the living room with her toys. "Okay, it's time I prepare dinner. Can you check on Falethier?" Katyusha asked softly as she wiped her wet hands. Thaurex nodded and left the kitchen.

He halted as he entered the living room, his eyes locking onto Falethier with awe. She was struggling to stand, using the couch for balance.

Falethier finally noticed Thaurex watching her. Her giggles and innocent smile lit up the room as she turned to him, slowly taking her first wobbly steps. Thaurex knelt, opening his arms, encouraging her to reach him—her final destination, a father's embrace.

Back on the battlefield, Thaurex, battered and broken, knelt once more, his arms open wide, urging his daughter for another embrace. This time, it was not about first steps but about finding each other again after years of pain and separation.

Falethier's anger melted into tears—tears of relief, hope, and remembrance. "Papa," she whispered, her voice trembling as the wind fluttered her hair. Lowering her hand, she sprinted toward Thaurex.

For a moment, Thaurex caught a glimpse of baby Falethier, running to him with wobbly steps. The memory intertwined with the present as she raced toward him now, no longer a child but still his little girl.

Falethier's tears turned into sobs, a stark contrast to the joyous laughter of her younger self. And finally, they embraced—a tight, desperate hug between a father who never gave up and a daughter who needed him more than ever. Falethier clung to Thaurex's burnt shirt, her grip firm, refusing to let go. This time, she had to stay.

Ruco watched from afar as the other soldiers erupted in victory cheers. Lavex walked up beside him, placing a hand on Ruco's shoulder. "Now that's a father," Lavex said, before pulling Ruco toward the celebration.

Thaurex looked into Falethier's tear-streaked face, his own eyes wet. "My Falethier," he whispered. "I searched, killed, and betrayed to find you. I was told you were dead." He paused, his voice trembling. "You've grown up so much. I missed you."

Falethier gently wiped his tears, a small, tearful smile on her face. "Let's go home, Papa," she said softly.

Together, they walked away as the flaming spaceship behind them erupted in a final explosion. Thaurex glanced back one last time, a weight lifting from his heart. He knew this might not be the end of the battle, but it was his end.

Turning back to Falethier, who was helping him walk, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her head.

THE END